Five US marines are confirmed to have died after their Osprey aircraft crashed during a training mission in California.
The US Marine Corps shared the news of the incident in a Facebook post today (9 June), explaining the incident took place yesterday afternoon in the Southern California area of Glamis, located a few miles north of the US-Mexico border and approximately 150 miles east of San Diego.
The statement described the crash as an 'aviation mishap' involving the aircraft as it was in the desert area, which is known for its sand dunes and other off-road attractions.
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Military firefighters and the Imperial County Fire Department responded to the scene after reports of the crash came in at 12:25pm.
Those who lost their lives in the incident have not been named, but the Marine Corps confirmed they were part of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, an aviation squadron based in San Diego.
The statement explained that the names of those who had died would not be released until 24 hours after the next-of-kin of all five people had been notified of their passing.
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Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, commented: “We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy."
The Marine Corps has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, as well as making efforts to recover equipment from the scene. In a statement made on the day of the crash, the branch assured there was 'no nuclear material onboard the aircraft' despite claims that had been made in initial reports.
Yesterday's incident took place almost three months after four Marines were killed in Norway while using the same type of aircraft being flown yesterday. Three Marines also lost their lives in a MV-22B Osprey in 2017, when their aircraft crashed off Queensland, Australia.
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According to The Los Angeles Times, 46 deaths related to Osprey crashes had been reported prior to Wednesday's crash, suggesting more than 50 people have now lost their lives in similar incidents.
The MV-22B can be operated as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft, according to the US Navy, per The New York Times.
In the US Marine Corps, it is used mainly for the 'transportation of troops, equipment and supplies from ships and land bases for combat assault and assault support'.
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Emily Brown